Anyone into Cycling?

By Sir Topham Hatt
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Grand Master

Sir Topham Hatt

Posted
Posted

Anyone into cycling?

 

I used to be quite into it but then as life went on, I just got out of it.

Then the stomach blobbed out a little, so I want to get back into it to help me get a bit fitter.

 

I didn't really realise there were a few different types of bikes.  I thought you got BMX style, racing style or mountain bike.  However as I would be cycling on roads pretty much exclusively then a Hybrid bike might be a lot better for my needs.  Come to think of it, my last bike may have been a hybrid but I didn't realise.

 

I have been astonished at the price of bikes, but I am a bit of a snob so want a fairly good one so I can have great quality from the off.  I don't want ot end up purchasing a bike then not using it that often because it's not a very pleasurable experience.

 

THIS is the one I was looking at:

 

320512?$PDP_ENLARGE$

 

However at ?499, it's more than I really wanted to pay.

But I "save" ?100, would get ?14 from cashback and they have a deal on until Wednesday to get ?40 off too.

 

Any thoughts or advice?

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Zumiiiiii

Posted
Posted

I got Boardman bike last year, really like it.  Found it really light.  Disc brakes are nice and bikes have changed a lot since I had one 20 years ago lol.  I changed my tyres to something slightly thicker so not to puncture so easily.  I was able to get mine through a cycle to work scheme.  So was able to get it vat free.  Not sure if you have this option.  Not really sure Halfords is always best place for things, but I don't have any other bike shops nearby.

Grand Master

tsupersonic

Posted
Posted

I like biking/cycling :) I also have a hybrid bike - Specialized Crosstrail Disc. Got it back in 2011, and have put tons of miles on it. I don't think my local bike shop has this, but it seems good. Have you checked up on any reviews online? 

Experienced

RiverCampher

Posted
Posted

I believe that would fit your needs.  I've been cycling a little with Chris Hoy today as he appeared in a local event :)

 

Tbh if your commuting and only going on roads, a road bike is more suitable (thinner tires and generally lighter for speed).  Hybrids are a good cross breed for most off road stuff though but restricts tackling the more challenging terrain.  It's all a balance.

 

I cycle roughly 10 miles in to work over a mix of off road and on roads and enjoy it on my mountain bike.  It's more difficult on road than most but with the weather here in the north-east I prefer to have the grip of wider tires.

 

If possible for a first-timer, to pick it up in the store.  Evans I know help you ensure your frame is correct and will help you adjust seat and handlebars so your comfortable.  Plus they give you a free checkup after a few months to ensure your gear setups and brakes are adjusted once you've 'worn it in'.  Halford's may offer the same though :)

 

Personally I recommend changing the pedals straight away to some cleats and some cleat shoes to maintain grip and of course mud guards to avoid wheel spray when encountering puddles.  A water bottle mount is pretty useful too.

 

Good luck :)

  • Sir Topham Hatt
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Grand Master

Arachno 1D

Posted
Posted

Depends what your using it for, I have a Boardman Performance Hybrid Team Bike on Bike to work and a Specialized Hardrock Disc 2012 model bought secondhand from eBay for ?200 which I tend to use a lot down at Delamere Forest for off road tracks.

 

4e23a85ee7cb02dfe48c441a1c5d7dc3.png

Grand Master

zhangm Supervisor

Posted
  • Supervisor
Posted

What do you want to use it for? Purely occasional recreation? Weekend trips? Tours? Are you considering using it as staple or supplemental transportation? A regular commuter? Hauling groceries?

 

What are the weather and road conditions? You say mostly roads, but what of the quality? Here, it is mostly roads, but many of the roads are mostly craters and potholes. Straight and flat? Lots of ups and downs? Are you looking for a good weather ride only, or would you do it in rain, snow, day, and night?

 

A hybrid with suspension and disc brakes will take harsher conditions, but it eats up a bit more pedaling energy thanks to wider tires, a bit more weight, and the suspension. If you're on decent roads, and have relatively good weather (no massive piles of snow in the winter), then a road bike or cross would be more fun.

Grand Master

fusi0n

Posted
Posted

I love to go biking.. My back issues stop me from going as often as I would like.. 

 

I had this AWESOME program on my iphone that would keep track of where I went and how fast.. then import it into google maps.. I would love to know the name of that app.. I have an S4 now.. but would still love something to do it with google maps. 

Grand Master

Sir Topham Hatt

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I was able to get mine through a cycle to work scheme.  So was able to get it vat free.  Not sure if you have this option.  Not really sure Halfords is always best place for things, but I don't have any other bike shops nearby.

 

Mine stopped doing it a couple of months ago but might start soon.

Halfords... yeah not the greatest but to get a good idea, they are worth visiting :D

 

 

 

 

Have you checked up on any reviews online?

There's a good few on the Halfords site but apart from eBay, it doesn't look like it is sold elsewhere.

 

 

 

Sorry, I should mention it will purely be for leisure, no commuting... at the moment.

 

Many of the roads here are nice and flat, not many pot holes at all.  There is a huge hill about half a mile or so away which would be fun to tackle.  A large town a good few miles away, probably about 10-15 mins in the car but the road seems pretty decent from when I drove on it.

 

I'd probably stick to riding when it's dry.  It did get really snowy last winter but I wouldn't be using it in winter anyway.

 

 

 

 

I had this AWESOME program on my iphone that would keep track of where I went and how fast.. then import it into google maps.. I would love to know the name of that app.. I have an S4 now.. but would still love something to do it with google maps.

That sounds like a great app.

I wonder if there is a WP version....

Grand Master

tsupersonic

Posted
Posted

I love to go biking.. My back issues stop me from going as often as I would like.. 

 

I had this AWESOME program on my iphone that would keep track of where I went and how fast.. then import it into google maps.. I would love to know the name of that app.. I have an S4 now.. but would still love something to do it with google maps. 

There are so many Android/iOS apps that do this. I use My Tracks (developed by Google), and MayMyRide

Veteran

Depicus

Posted
Posted

Give wiggle.co.uk a try, two reasons

 

1. They will price match if you ask and even open to offers so when I bought a Felt s32 they gave me a 15% discount no problem. It also came with a started kit of tools and spares which was nice.

 

2. They also have a 30 day FREE return policy so you can try the bike and see if you like it.

 

Great service and my Felt turned up fitted for my size.

  • Sir Topham Hatt
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Grand Master

zhangm Supervisor

Posted
  • Supervisor
Posted

Sounds like you'd get more performance out of a road bike then. Get something without the suspension at least. It sounds like it won't do anything to contribute to your riding comfort, and it just contributes weight that you'll be hauling around. If you have a local shop, they're normally happy about letting people test ride. Get a feel for what riding position you're comfortable with, and how responsive (or over-responsive) the design is. Another important thing that they can do is tell what size of bike fits you perfectly.

Grand Master

Arachno 1D

Posted
Posted

You can usually get discounts through the likes of http://www.topcashback.co.uk/ or http://www.quidco.com depending on the retailer

 

FYI Boardman are direct from Halfords only so whilst they are a good bike you wont find another retailer with them.

 

 

Quidco

31731d650650215184816ab57189931f.png

Grand Master

Sir Topham Hatt

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Yeah, I have an account with Top Cashback, which is why I leaned towards Halfords in the first place.

See, a day like today would have been great.  Fairly windy, threatening to rain but the lady friend is out for the morning and I don't have much to do around the house - did most of that yesterday.

 

However I bet if I did buy it then I wouldn't use it as much as I think I would now.  But then maybe because of the price range I am looking at, I would make sure I used it :/

 

I know it seems I am making a big thing out of a bike but I don't have that much income to be able to just go out and buy it... have to work it into the budget.

Grand Master

Sir Topham Hatt

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Went to Halfords today.

 

A nice lady showed me a cheaper version and adviced me a 17" frame would be good for me.  I asked her about the Boardman bike, she said it is expensive but it is worth it as everything from the brakes to the gear system is upgraded.

 

I asked about helmets and locks too.  Helmets I was advised to find one I like the look of and try it on.  Locks was get a mid-expensive one that is pure metal or thick chain to keep the bike safe.

 

I think I will take a look at a couple more places but plan to get the Boardman in a month or two - maybe the price will have gone down again making it easier on the wallet.

Rookie

r3drum

Posted
Posted

Went to Halfords today.

 

A nice lady showed me a cheaper version and adviced me a 17" frame would be good for me.  I asked her about the Boardman bike, she said it is expensive but it is worth it as everything from the brakes to the gear system is upgraded.

 

 

I hope that was a typo on your part and you actually meant 27" instead. A 17" frame is a kids' bike. I have always found it to be most cost effective to buy a bike with most of the parts you desire on it already. They cost a bit more up front but you save in the long run.

Mentor

Cute James

Posted
Posted

Yep, I love cycling, and I love my bike!

 

For commuting and simply getting around town, there is surely no better way to travel - good for the environment, good for your health, what's not to like? ;)

 

Here is my ride:

 

post-394898-0-58477600-1375270496.jpg

 

I don't know a great deal about the Boardman, however I would recommend going for a cross or road bike - the lighter frame and skinnier tyres make riding far more enjoyable in my opinion.

 

Best of luck!

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